Tag: domestic violence

Brothers Charged in Springfield Lakes Domestic Violence Murder

Photo Credit: Queensland Police

Two brothers have been charged with the domestic violence murder of a 23-year-old woman in Springfield Lakes, a tragic event that has deeply saddened the local community.

Read: Farewell Held for Ipswich Inspector Jay Notaro Who Vanished in Surf

Khalilullah and Masihullah Habibi were arrested on Friday night, May 17, and subsequently charged in connection with the woman’s death. Emergency services were called to a home in the Ipswich area, south-west of Brisbane, around 8:00 p.m. on Friday following reports that a woman had collapsed. Police and paramedics found her unresponsive and were unable to revive her.

Court Proceedings Begin

domestic violence
Photo Credit: Queensland Police

The case was mentioned for the first time in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Monday morning, 20 May. During the brief hearing, a full brief of evidence was ordered, and the matter has been adjourned until next month. Both brothers remain in custody and will not be required to appear at the next court mention.

Community Impact and Background

domestic violence
Photo Credit: Queensland Police

The Queensland Police Service confirmed that the victim and the two men charged are all from Afghanistan and had only been living at the Springfield Lakes home for a short time.

Authorities are working with the Afghanistan consulate to locate the woman’s next of kin, who has since been identified and lives overseas. Investigators have contacted the next of kin and are liaising with federal agencies to make the necessary notifications.

Read: Springfield E-scooter Crash Leaves Father Of Five In Coma

Rita Anwari, a prominent community member who lives near where the incident occurred, stated that her heart was breaking, highlighting the victim’s young age.

Detective Inspector Michael Manago spoke on Saturday, 18 May, saying it was a “terribly tragic event” and extended thoughts to the woman’s family and friends. He also acknowledged the first responders who attended the scene and performed CPR in an attempt to revive her.

Published Date 22-May-2025

Ipswich to Build Ten New Homes for Domestic Violence Survivors

Photo Credit: Domestic Violence Action Centre/ Instagram

Women and children fleeing domestic violence in Ipswich will gain ten new safe cottages, funded by a federal government grant to the Domestic Violence Action Centre (DVAC).

Read: Springfield Lakes Battling Invasive Aquatic Weed

A Safe Haven for Vulnerable Women

Ipswich to Build Ten New Homes for Domestic Violence Survivors
Photo Credit: Domestic Violence Action Centre

The DVAC project, supported by the Housing Australia Future Fund’s (HAFF) Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program, aims to address the critical need for secure housing for those fleeing abusive situations. The organisation recognises that finding safe and stable housing is a key challenge for survivors, and this initiative seeks to offer more than just shelter. It aims to provide a place where women can rebuild their lives, establish security, and plan for the future. 

The project’s partnership with Primary Advisory will assist in acquiring land and provide vital expertise in social infrastructure. To protect the residents, the exact location of the cottages will remain confidential.

National Effort to Combat Domestic Violence

Ipswich to Build Ten New Homes for Domestic Violence Survivors
Photo Credit: Domestic Violence Action Centre

The DVAC project is part of a broader national effort, with the Australian government allocating $100 million to 42 projects nationwide. This funding, also through the HAFF Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program, will create hundreds of new crisis and transitional homes for women and children affected by domestic violence, as well as older women at risk of homelessness. 

The government acknowledges the urgent need for such housing, highlighting that many applications were received, demonstrating the scale of the issue. The government stated that the selection process was competitive and focused on projects that demonstrated how they would meet the needs of vulnerable women and children. The government also noted that this investment significantly increases funding for crisis and transitional accommodation compared to the previous decade.

Community Impact and Support

Ipswich to Build Ten New Homes for Domestic Violence Survivors
Photo Credit: Domestic Violence Action Centre

The government stresses that providing safe housing is crucial in enabling women to leave violent relationships. They believe these new homes will empower some of the community’s most vulnerable members, providing them with a secure place to live. The government’s investment in these projects is part of its commitment to ending gender-based violence and addressing housing insecurity. 

It also highlights that separate funding for the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program is already increasing the number of emergency accommodation places available across Australia.

Read: Westside Community Care: A Helping Hand for Springfield Lakes Families

The DVAC project is in its early stages, with the immediate focus on securing suitable land for the cottages. The government recently announced funding for the project, which is expected to progress over the coming months and years.

Published Date 23-Feb-2025